Finally we got a weather window to get out of the harbor, and we scurried to prepare. Made a quick trip into town for last minute provisions, and for Jerry to report our satellite phone has thrown in the towel, and we were off. It was a beautiful cruise to Lee Stocking Island. We saw lots of boats, as we all had pent up demand for getting out on the water. We were glad Carl and Marlene were aboard, as we saw a sperm whale cruising south.
Lee Stocking is home of the Perry Research Institute, also known as the Caribbean Marine Research Center. Interestingly, this center on Bahamian soil is run by a US group made up of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and three US universities. They study changes to the ocean environment, particularly as they affect conch, lobster and coral. In addition, the invasive species the Lionfish is a subject of research. We had a tour of the facility, which was most interesting. In the winter there is just a skeleton staff, while summer is the peak research season, with about 30 people in residence.
We saw a student working on coral research – which looked to us as stimulating as watching paint dry. But these studies are essential to maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystem.
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